Research and policy

Having started out in journalism, a central pillar of Jessica Banfield’s work has been research into and writing about the dynamics that shape peace and conflict. She is adept at framing research issues and processes with teams across country settings; blending qualitative and quantitative methods; conducting consultations and listening to diverse perspectives to inform analysis; delving into secondary data and sources; and pulling together quality policy research outputs. She has authored and co-authored a number of studies, highlights of which appear below.

UNDP Africa flagship reports

Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa (UNDP 2023)

Scaling Fences: Voices of Irregular African Migrants to Europe (UNDP 2019)

Journey to Extremism in Africa: Drivers Incentives and the Tipping Point for Recruitment (UNDP 2017)

Ending Need Indeed: Strategic Assessment Horn of Africa (UNDP 2018)

Central Africa: A Sub-Region Left Behind? (UNDP 2017)

Towards a Locally Led Peacebuilding intermediary partner assessment tool (PeaceNexus, 2025).

A Mapping and Analysis of Tools and Guidance on H-P Linkages in the HDP Nexus (Interpeace and IASC 2022)

The UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law: Guidance (UN, 2022)

Gender Sensitive Conflict Analysis North West Nigeria (UNDP, 2024).

Integrating Gender in Peace Responsiveness (Interpeace, 2023)

A Gender Lens on Counter-Terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism (UK Government internal policy brief, 2017)

Changing Fortunes: Women in Northern Uganda’s Peace Economy (Alert 2010)

Building resilience through social cohesion in Montenegro (FBA, 2023)

Prishtina Institute for Political Studies Organisational Strategy 2025-2030

Towards a Peace Economy in Lebanon (Alert 2015)

Tell it like it is: Civil Society’s Role in Tackling Serious Organised Crime in West Africa (Alert 2015)

Crime and Conflict: A New Challenge for Peacebuilding (Alert 2014)

Winners or Losers: Youth Employment Programmes and Conflict Risk in Nigeria (British Council 2014)

Harnessing Oil for Peace and Development in Uganda (Alert 2009)

Building a Peace Economy in Northern Uganda (Alert 2008)

Local Business, Local Peace: The Peacebuilding Potential of the Domestic Private Sector (Alert 2006)

Conflict Sensitive Business Practice: Guidance for the Extractive Industries (Alert 2005)